The great Westward Expansion of the 1800s is one of the foundational subjects of what we now refer to as Western art. However, certain narratives from the era have historically been left out the frame. While European American settlers pushed the frontier westward, the West Coast was undergoing a rapid development of its own. Accelerated by the discovery of gold midcentury, the population boom also included nearly half a million Chinese immigrants who crossed the Pacific to California in hopes of a better life.
Jie Wei Zhou, Good Team, 2009, oil on linen. The Tom and Mary James Collection. © Jie Wei Zhou. Photograph by Todd Bates.
Through 30 paintings, 50 historical objects and dozens of supporting images, From Far East to West: The Chinese American Frontier showcases narratives of Chinese American history and experiences from the Gold Rush and the building of the Transcontinental Railroad, to the development of Chinatowns and anti-Chinese sentiment. It opens at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg, Florida, on October 14.Featured works from the James’ collection by contemporary Chinese American artists Mian Situ, Jie Wei Zhou and Z.S. Liang illustrate historical interpretations that speak to culture, identity and resilience, while highlighting important contributions to America’s story.
Jie Wei Zhou, Dragon Parade, 2012, oil on linen. The Tom and Mary James Collection. © Jie Wei Zhou. Photograph by Todd Bates.
“This exhibition gives a platform to lesser-known stories and perspectives in United States history,” says Emily Kapes, curator of art at the James. “Even though most of our country’s population has been based on immigration, that history is fraught with inequality and inequity for minority groups…Today, immigration continues to impact the lives of many Americans, so there are parallels to today. “My guiding vision was a celebration of Chinese American culture,” Kapes continues. “The exhibition is a look back at early immigration experiences and stories of resiliency and community. The achievements of Chinese immigrants paved a path for future generations and are a testament to perseverance.”
Mian Situ, The Gold Seekers, Chinese Camp, 1850, 2015, oil on canvas. The Tom and Mary James Collection. © Mian Situ. Photograph by St. Cate Fine Arts.
Mian Situ’s Gold Seekers, which depicts Chinese Americans digging and panning for gold, presents a picture of the hard work and faith life during that time demanded, while the celebratory Dragon Parade by Jie Wei Zhou speaks to the richness and pride in Chinese culture. Works like Zhou’s Good Team and Situ’s Toy Peddler of Dupont Street demonstrate the importance of family.
An additional section of the gallery will be dedicated to works by artist Z.S. Liang who, after immigrating from China to America in the 1980s to continue his art education, became fascinated with painting Native American history, and is now highly esteemed in the genre.
Z.S. Liang, Honoring a Courageous Soldier after the Fetterman Fight, 2019, oil on linen. © Z.S. Liang. The Tom and Mary James Collection. Photograph by Todd Bates.
“Z.S. Liang is well represented in the James Collection. This spotlight on his work within the exhibition directly links to the museum, but visitors will get to know this Chinese America artist’s immigration story to the U.S. and how he came to paint Indigenous cultures and history in his adopted country,” explains Kapes. “These artists were children or teens during China’s Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). Their experiences and art training varied, but after China opened to the rest of the world, they sought opportunity in the U.S. Their own, more recent immigration experiences and studying the history of their adopted country inspired them to consider earlier generations of immigrants and those that paved the way for them. They saw an opportunity to interpret that history and highlight their culture. They have contributed greatly to the genre of Western American art.” —
From Far East To West: The Chinese American Frontier
October 14, 2023-January 28, 2024
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
150 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 892-4200, www.thejamesmuseum.org
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